Sewing A to Z

How many times have you used the old cliché, “She knows everything — from A to Z”? Well, Nancy Zieman really does know everything about sewing and she’s found a new way to categorize and simplify sewing tasks. You’ll find tons of tips and explanations in Nancy Zieman’s Sewing A to Z– a hard-cover, spiral bound 144-page tome.

In full disclosure, Nancy Zieman taught me how to sew via the PBS television show Sewing with Nancy. Really. I learned to sew from watching Nancy so I’m a huge fan and today I’m blessed to call her a friend. But that doesn’t mean I’m not still ‘awed’ by her method of teaching.

Years ago I struggled with quilt bindings then Nancy taught me how to bind a quilt. You’ll find the same easy steps on page 20. The illustrations are flawless, every step is clearly defined and if you follow them, you’ll have a binding that would pass the highly critical white-glove test. Don’t know about the white glove test? Good for you, carry on and get your binding sewn.

Another one of my favorite sections of the book is Knits. I love to wear knits, I could live in them, oh wait, I already do! Anyway, Nancy’s tips on knits are great reminders of how to select the right knit for the pattern. She reminds us that there’s a stretch guide on the back of patterns and how to use it. Then she explains how to sew the stretchy seams on both a sewing machine and serger. These tips will come in quite handy when I make a jacket from her new McCall’s pattern, 6408.

Nancy then goes on to identify common knit fabrics with names and images. This page is a great example of why Nancy Zieman is such a terrific teacher – it’s her vocabulary. Not that she speaks like a heady Ivy League grad, she knows the actual names of a zillion-types of fabric, notions and gizmos. Unlike me, who would gladly call all sewing tools, gizmos, such as the sharp gizmo, the pointy gizmo or the turning thingy. Oh no, not our Nancy. She’s had the formal training (a degree in Home Economics) and the lifelong search for more sewing knowledge. Thank heavens she’s shared all of that with us. Otherwise, I’d still be calling knits, the ‘stretchy fabrics’.

Moving on through the pages, I was stopped dead in my track when I hit ‘Wrapped Corners’ on page 128. Creating perfect collars has eluded me for years. No longer! Ha! Apparently, I should have been following Nancy’s instructions to sew, grade, press, understitch and then sew again. So that’s how you do it!

Here’s my suggestion, keep Sewing A to Z with your pattern stash. When you’re creating a garment, refer toSewing A to Z for easier, more successful techniques than you’ll find in any pattern. You might just fall in love with garment sewing all over again.

I have my copy and I just ordered two more for my twenty-something nieces (who will be eternally grateful in the future as soon as they wise up), now get yours.

Here’s your assignment this week:

Tell us what sewing step has been a challenge for you by posting a comment on my blog. You know, something like mitering corners, zippers, buttonholes, etc. You’ll have a chance to win a signed copy of Sewing A to Zbecause I am personally going to hand carry a copy to my meeting with Nancy on Monday and get her to sign it for you!

Bonus week of prizes!

Nancy Zieman has kindly put together a grand prize package of various materials, from books to templates, pin cushions and piping, for one lucky reader (worth $450). For a chance to win, leave a comment on Nancy’s blog post (August 16th), and a winner will be chosen at the end of the tour. The winner will be posted on Nancy’s blog on September 10th.

More fun! Nancy Zieman’s First Blog Tour

To showcase Nancy Zieman’s new book and companion TV series, you’ll be able to take a tour through the book via a Blog Tour. I am one of 19 bloggers discussing Nancy’s new book through September 9th. I encourage you to follow along and participate in the Book Tour. Check the schedule below to follow along!

The winner of last week’s assignment answered the question: If you could travel anywhere for a hands-on embroidery retreat, where would you go?

“On a weeklong cruise to nowhere! Just time to stitch, without having to cook, clean house, or make my bed! I really enjoyed our Stitching Sisters cruise to Mexico! I just wish for more days to stitch!” – Lucy Anderson

Congrats to Lucy Anderson! You are the lucky winner of the Perfect Placement Kit!

141 Comments on Nancy Zieman has compiled her sewing knowledge from A – Z

Zippers are always a challenge! I just replaced one in a fleece jacket and the bottom hems did not match up because it had stretched–had to re-do it. Nancy always has good tips on a lot of sewing challenges.

Diane Kunowski

VickiT

August 24, 2011 at 6:53 pm (8 years ago)

Nancy’s book really looks like an extremely thorough and detailed book anyone would love owning.

My biggest stumbling block of all is to get over the fear of failure which stops me from starting a new project at all. I am armed only with high school home ec class sewing knowledge and most of that I’ve forgotten since that was a LONG time ago. I am sure this book would be filled with the detailed instructions I haven’t got, or forgot since high school and maybe give me some courage to sew much more. I have a granddaughter I would love to make cute little dresses for but till now, this Grandma has only made her one dress. And yes, I gave it to her but it was not the best job in the world and while I did mess up the buttons on the shoulder as it was a reversible dress, I made it work. The pattern instructions weren’t very clear on how to do the buttons so maybe this book has the info I could have used to do it the right way.

eileen

August 24, 2011 at 8:48 pm (8 years ago)

Hang in there Vicki and keep stitching! We only get better by doing. Whenver I’m confronted with a large sewing project and hesitant to cut into the fabric, I tell myself, “It’s just fabric and thread, not muscle and bone.” That gives me the kick I need to get started.

Berenice

August 25, 2011 at 11:59 pm (8 years ago)

Grandma! It is not the final product, but the love that went into the effort. Dig in and go for IT!! I loved all the stuff my great gma and gma made for me as a child and as an adult looking at those items and seeing the slight imperfections I can only treasure those heirlooms even more (yes, my kids have worn a few of those projects). Kiddos never seem to see our boo boos, they are too busy looking at what they got from ‘Gramma’.

Linda

Carol Seavitt

August 24, 2011 at 8:11 pm (8 years ago)

I just started to make ’embroidery’ quilts and I have oh such a hard time with the mitered corners. I watched one of Nancy’s TV programs where she demonstrated an easy way to handle these; but then when I am sitting at my machine my mind is blank. The book looks like a great addition for any level of sewer. Go Nancy!

Connie E.

August 24, 2011 at 8:48 pm (8 years ago)

I sooo need this book. I have been doing crafts and such forever. but when I try to make a garment, I am all thumbs….ripping out, redoing. I even tried to make a pillowcase dress for my granddaughters and I felt like they looked like rags. Wouldn’t let them wear them. So, guess I need ALL help. I am definately putting this on my wishlist.

Jennessa

August 24, 2011 at 9:04 pm (8 years ago)

The step of “knowing when to stop” has been my biggest challenge! There should be a sensor on my machine that knows when I’m too tired and bleary eyed to be sewing. When the ratio of successful seams to ripped-out seams is going to become pathetic, it should just turn off and make me stop 🙂

Teresa pocketofsun

August 25, 2011 at 1:21 am (8 years ago)

Thank you for the review of Nancy’s book. I started self-teaching myself to sew this summer and came across Nancy’s PBS show a few weeks ago. I am happy that her blog book tour has introduced me to the variety of sewing/quilting blogs on the Internet as the articles are full of very helpful information. I do believe this book would do me very good!
Since I have only sewing a total of 3 things thus far (my 7 y/o daughter a 2 piece outfit, my younger brother khaki shorts & button shirt and my daughter a school backpack (which I was told she is very proud of!), I would have to say that so far the most complicated thing I have run into is a narrow hem. I invested in an expensive sewing machine with the hopes all the bells & whistles would accommodate anything I will run across. I have learned if I do not cut completely accurately I could run into something which seems OK, like a 1/8″ difference in curvy (should be straight) cutting, well then trying to fold at seam and then another 1/4 inch rolled under. I do have a hem footing that fits the fold into the foot but I have run into very uneven hem lines/cuffs/etc.
Other than that, everything has been a learning experience and I will continue to grow.
Thanks for the chance to win a lot of fun goodies!

I think my serger is still my biggest challenge – it has soooo many functions & different stitches, I’m just not really sure what to do with it all. I even have a couple of extra feet & I haven’t figured out what they’re for yet! And I keep reading about wrapping these corners, but have yet to understand that.

I love watching Nancy’s show, she really knows how to get me inspired to try new things.
I could use help in a lot of things, lol, but I still can’t get my bindings straight, so mitered corners would be something I would love to learn to do properly.

Allison C

August 25, 2011 at 3:29 am (8 years ago)

Can I say everything is a challenge? I’m basically teaching myself…which means I have a lot of mistakes. When I see my mom a couple times a year I might get a pointer or two, but really it has been about trial and error. I would love to win this as it sounds like a great reference book…which I could really use! I have no idea what mitering corners means…guess I have to look that up!

Kari Kechter

August 25, 2011 at 3:56 am (8 years ago)

Not sure this counts, but fitting is what gets me. I’m quite tall (a little taller than Nancy – at least when I got to take a picture with her at a retreat), and not shaped ideally. I know what doesn’t fit right, but not how to correct it.

I’ve sewn for people for years, yet zippers never seem to turn out looking professional. That and seam binding. Mine always looks like I just graduated from first grade. What is the trick?

How FABULOUS you will have yours signed! This is the one I hope I win. I have a collection of autographed books, this one would be most used and probably my favorite. (I sold an autographed Richard Nixon book recently, but I’d NEVER sell a Nancy Zieman.)
~a

Beth T.

Nan B.

August 25, 2011 at 6:05 am (8 years ago)

I haven’t been sewing very long so I’m challenged by just about everything. Quilt bindings are what I’m working on improving right now. Just watched Nancy’s video with her method the other day but haven’t tried it yet… lots of other things I’d like to try too and she makes it so easy to understand!

i’ve been sewing for a long time, and though it sounds kind of pretentious to say, there isn’t really a specific thing that i need help with! i’ve sewn so many different things over the years that i feel like i could pretty much sew anything if i’m motivated enough to do it.

HOWEVER! i could definitely use some tips for perfect, tidy, crisp sewing! i’ve been sewing so long that i’ve gotten lazy, especially if it’s “just” a quick garment for me!

Janice

Mhairi

August 25, 2011 at 11:59 am (8 years ago)

I HATE!!! binding. I find it so hard to get right. I also find getting my points on my quilts just right very frustrating and I am a perfectionist so finishing projects takes forever as I am continually unsewing.

Dell

August 25, 2011 at 1:03 pm (8 years ago)

I find a have trouble sewing with very light fabric, like batiste. Even when all my settings are correct, my machine does not like to sew the tiny seams or edging without chewing it. I grabbed some tear away stabilizer, that seem to help. Anybody have other tricks.

Hueisei

SewLindaAnn

August 25, 2011 at 1:31 pm (8 years ago)

My biggest fear is having something look like I just made it and binding. I’m new to trying garment sewing (notice the trying part) I have purchased patterns, fabric and notions in anticipation of this huge event.

SharRon in Texas

August 25, 2011 at 1:40 pm (8 years ago)

Quilt binding or for any project. I would like to be able to get it right the first time. Instead, I usually have to rip out and sew the ends back together several times before I get a nice smooth finsished binding. All help is appreciated. Thank God for women like you and Nancy who are so wiling to help promote sewing and embroidery.

This really is astoundingly good timing – we had this very conversation just a few days ago, and you specifically mentioned wanting to find an opportunity like this.It’s such an honor and a gift to be your writing partner that I really should be thanking you. I love the way you write, and I’m thrilled to see you’ll be getting a chance at seeing your words set in ink as well as pixels.And, love…please feel free to thank me vigorously in person in 13 days. vigorously and repeatedly

Another question popped out at me (thanks for answering my first one):You can’t make changes to a PDF (that I’m aware of) so how do you let the editor know about final changes? In a separate doc that has page number, line number, and word number listed?

Heidi

August 25, 2011 at 6:03 pm (8 years ago)

I am a newb when it comes to sewing… my DVR is full of PBS programming, only now it has expanded from children’s program and Masterpiece Theater to include Nancy’s show and others on quilting. Thank goodness for these programs because they informative and don’t look down at me when I watch them. 🙂 Buttonholes have evaded me, I have two lovely shirts for my baby girl just waiting for buttons. I just can’t seem to get it right. Many thanks for such an enthusiastic sewing community and fir the chance to win!

Cindy G.

Gail Beam

August 25, 2011 at 7:03 pm (8 years ago)

Zippers are one of my biggest buggaboos! Especially the hidden zippers! Another is the mitered corners on baby blankets! Thank goodness my children are not too particular in this area! I would love to win Nancy’s book, as my hands on instruction was limited to my 8th grade sewing class and ummmmmmmm lets see, that was over 50 yrs ago!

Barbara Cummings

August 25, 2011 at 7:20 pm (8 years ago)

How to miter a corner has ALWAYS been a struggle. Nancy has shown a quick and easy way to turn a corner. Thank you Nancy !! I would love to have a signed copy of her newest book. She’s one of my favorite sewers.

Evangeline Duenow

August 25, 2011 at 7:30 pm (8 years ago)

I have 2 big problem areas. ZIPPERS oh my, the ends are always off, if the ends do match, I must not have sewn straight because the foot got stuck from material bunching up, so the zipper is crooked. I have read books, downloaded instructions to no avail. I have a dear friend who does the zippers for me, but would like to conquer this myself.
2nd problem is getting items I sew to fit properly. I dream of a beautiful outfit, but when it is done usually ends in the trash because it looks so awful when tried on. Even a simple fleece vest can be a disaster.

Greta

August 25, 2011 at 8:14 pm (8 years ago)

My biggest challenge right now is sewing blankets, specifically getting a flannel side and a fleece side to lay flat and to fit together well without puckering, getting hills in them and looking great. Hmm, should be easier than zippers but not so much, lol

Ruth Peterson

August 25, 2011 at 8:40 pm (8 years ago)

I love watching Nancy on PBS and in person at the Puyallup SewExpo, where I have taken her seminars whenever possible. I still struggle with zippers and button-holes, so try to make things without them! I have mastered binding enough to teach 2 friends recently how to bind their tablerunners. I make lots of baby quilts, so I guess I like flat things! I might tackle a garment after getting her book… love the fact that it is spiral bound! That’s awesome!

Betsy

August 25, 2011 at 8:49 pm (8 years ago)

Stretchy fabrics! I would love to be able to alter t-shirt hems and necklines but they never look neat or lie flat. The same goes for quilting…getting the centers of pinwheels, for example, to lie flat.

Susan

August 25, 2011 at 9:45 pm (8 years ago)

I have been watching, and reading, Nancy for years. I am self-taught in sewing so she’s been a vital resource. After some 12 years I still don’t feel like I understand how to put in a good zipper. One day, I would really like to be able to put in a jean’s variety zipper with a fly. I look at them and think how nice and tailored they look. That’s about as far as I get with it. I have used water soluble thread and tape for the zippers that I have installed and they help alot! I still feel like I’m missing some critical step. So, my first stop will be in the “Z”s!

Jodi Guerrero

August 26, 2011 at 12:07 am (8 years ago)

I have not mastered the art of sewing on the binding by machine. Of course I sew on the one side, fold it over and sew the other side down by hand. I know there is a secret to doing both by machine. Also, zippers. I sew it on but I’d feel more confident if I was sure of what I was doing.

Cindy McCord

August 26, 2011 at 12:17 am (8 years ago)

Hi Eileen. My biggest challenge was fitting pants. I finally purchased Nancy’s “Pattern Fitting with Confidence” Book and DVD. She explains everything so detailed and I was able to figure out why my pants never fit correctly! I just love her and everything she does!! She is an awesome teacher!! Take care and stay cool…

Mary Haggenmaker

August 26, 2011 at 12:42 am (8 years ago)

My greatest trial is lining a jacket that originally does not have a lining. I have attempted to do this on both jackets I have made and jackets I have bought. A lining gets in there but it just doesn’t quite work. “Sewing With Nancy” is no longer being aired in my area so I have tried different approaches that I have found on the internet. Maybe someday…..

My biggest challenge is getting over the fear of sewing clothing. I am a quilter and the idea of making a piece of clothing and tracing and following a pattern terrifies me. I don’t understand the terminology so I freeze.

In answer to your question, two things really. . .
1)what different sewing machine feet look like, what they do, and which ones are worth the investment; and
2)how to not have my seam go a little bit crocked at the end of each piece that I sew. Drives me nuts, but at least I’m consistent!

Shirley R

August 26, 2011 at 6:50 am (8 years ago)

My biggest challenge is finding the right pattern and then using the correct pattern-altering techniques to make a pair of slacks that actually fit. Also I hate installing zippers. I too, avoid them at all costs! I watch Nancy every Saturday on PBS; everything stops on Saturday mornings when I am watching my “sewing show”!

Cindy Yamane

August 26, 2011 at 8:11 am (8 years ago)

I am with you. I learned by watching Nancy many years ago. I still have much to learn.
I would love to hem knits with a more professional look. Actually there are many skills that I would love a refresher on. Since my children have grown I don’t sew as many garments. I tend to piece quilts more these days. I do have some grandchildren to sew for now though.
Thanks for the chance to win a signed copy
Cindy

Phyllis (label Lady)

August 26, 2011 at 4:05 pm (8 years ago)

I am a self taught sewer. With the help of Nancy’s shows I have accomplished a lot. Now her shows are no longer televised in my area, this leaves me without a way to see her tips and techniques that might help me. With the help of Nancy and Eileen I am learning the best tips and shortcut. Thank you ladies.

eileen

Betty Smith

August 26, 2011 at 5:44 pm (8 years ago)

I don’t know when Sewing w/Nancy series began but I have watched and videoed all her programs for many years.(even while @ work) My 2nd sewing machine was a Pfaff because Nancy was doing all these great items and I must have the same machine!I have several of her booklets from the series and several of her instructional books. Nancy’s instructions are always clear. I’ve learned so much from Nancy and continue to return to her books for any problems I’m having.

Jessie Agnew

August 26, 2011 at 6:00 pm (8 years ago)

Heck, I’m 20-something and I would be grateful for TWO eternities to get this book! I think my greatest sewing challenge has been pattern fitting. I have made enough strange-fitting clothes for a small (and very uncomfortable) army. Nancy’s “Pattern Fitting with Confidence” TV series was a big help, but I’m the kind of person who has to keep looking at the directions as I go on to each step. Or cut out the directions and tape them to my forehead! 😉

eileen

August 30, 2011 at 9:31 pm (8 years ago)

Ohh no Jessie – don’t tape them to forehead! Everything will come out in mirror image! Tape them to your machine. Love your ‘very uncomfortable small army’ comment. Keep stitching – it gets easier and rarely do you make the same mistake twice.

Karen A

LeAnne

August 26, 2011 at 6:58 pm (8 years ago)

I’m not a garment sewer, so everything is a challenge. The terminology is a complete mystery to me. Nancy’s book would really help because I’d love to make my own clothes instead of relying on store bought.

Dale Fedor

August 27, 2011 at 2:46 pm (8 years ago)

I love all her hints. From Nancy’s 25 Favorite Sewing Techniques book I really found her techniques for elastic really helpful. Glad to hear that we can now see her shows on the computer as I too have lost her in my area.

Kathe G

August 27, 2011 at 9:41 pm (8 years ago)

My biggest, almost paralyzing fear is starting – that first cut terrifies me like you wouldn’t believe. But once I can get over the fear of cutting then I can pretty much go onward. I love Nancy Z – she is so inspiring and so educational. I learn something almost every time I watch her show. Thanks for the giveaway.

KrisP

August 27, 2011 at 10:12 pm (8 years ago)

I have difficulty matching plaids and other repeating patterns. I know it’s really in the layout and cutting but I never where to position my pattern pieces for set-in sleeves so that the plaid will match-up somewhat.

Years ago I watched Sewing with Nancy every week (and I have the VHS tapes to prove it!) I learned so much from her. At that time I was sewing almost all of my families clothing(2 adults, 3 children). Her techniques made the clothing I sewed better than any ready-to-wear. I don’t sew as much clothing as I used to, but I still use her techniques often. Her book sounds fantastic!

Donna G.

August 28, 2011 at 3:52 am (8 years ago)

I’ve learned so much from watching Sewing With Nancy, and all of Nancy’s fabulous books! Setting in sleeves smoothly was a real challenge until I saw Nancy’s technique of putting pressure on the fabric behind the presser foot to ease the fabric into shape. After trying that, no more gathers and tucks! Sleeves are no longer difficult.

Becki Cullipher

I love watching Nancy and learning techniques from her show. My problem area is getting the sleeves in a blouse to fit correctly on my body. They always “pull” in the front. Nancy’s book would be a jewel.
Jane

Judi

Maeve

August 30, 2011 at 7:34 pm (8 years ago)

I’d love to win the book OR the giveaway. Anyway, I think mitering corners has been a challenge, and learning how to make french seams properly too. Nancy knows all the tricks of the trade, and I so appreciate her sharing her knowledge with all of us.

Some people just have to be dicks, don’t they. If you don’t like Monona, leave. If you don’t like our crappy restaurants, leave. It’s pretty simple. And congratulations for knowing what ceviche is. You’re so amazingly awesome. Dicks.

And while we get "important" news about WWE, the FCC and major media corporations are meeting behind closed doors to discuss the future of net neutrality. If google and youtube really cared about net neutrality their sites would be plastered with this information available to the general public. I hope you all enjoy the internet as it is as much as possible, because soon in america our internet is going to be more akin to China than what we experience today. If any of you give a shit, go to savetheinternet.com and see what you can do to help.

Cheryl Greenleaf

August 31, 2011 at 10:44 pm (8 years ago)

My biggest challenge is cutting fabric from a sitting position (I’m in a wheelchair). I am a “want to be” quilter who needs both written instructions and clear visuals. Since my skill set is very limited, I need help with everything. It looks like Nancy’s “Sewing A to Z” book would be a huge help. I hope the pages are laminated otherwise I can see smudges and dog ears in their future.

Rebecca Pitts

September 9, 2011 at 4:10 pm (8 years ago)

I love Nancy Zieman’s instructions and watch her show daily. I loved the series on the 25 techniques for the 25th anniversary. It is awesome! I also love everything she wears on her show. I wish at the end of the show she would tell us about her garments, what pattern she used and what fabric she used. Everything she wears is gorgeous. I have started making more of my clothes than buying them. I feel that sewing garments is making a big comeback and prefer making them. I think it would be great if she did a series on blue jeans for women over 40. I have tried about 4 different patterns now and have not found the perfect one yet. Thanks for all your sewing instructions, Nancy.. I just loved them.

Hey very nice website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I am happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

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